Opinion

I-76 switches to head-to-head configuration between Brush and Fort Morgan

starting April 26 through November

Brush News-Tribune Staff

Posted:
04/26/2013 02:29:32 PM MDT

Updated:
04/30/2013 09:55:12 AM MDT

MORGAN COUNTY — Beginning Monday, April 29, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will switch the configuration of I-76 as part of the larger interstate reconstruction project that improves the existing infrastructure of both directions of I-76 from Brush to Fort Morgan.

The reconfiguration, which will be in place 24/7, will reduce both directions of I-76 between Fort Morgan and Brush (mile marker 84 to 91) to one lane for westbound traffic and one lane for eastbound traffic via a head-to-head arrangement. All traffic will be moved to the existing eastbound lanes of I-76 using a crossover built through the interstate median in recent weeks, and the existing westbound lanes will be completely closed to motorists. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and the speed limit will be reduced through the work zone. The reconfiguration will be in place until November 2013 to allow crews to reconstruct and make improvements to the infrastructure in the westbound lanes, including the roadway and bridges.

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Altogether, crews will build/replace/rehabilitate 13 bridges and one box culvert throughout the length of the project, will reconfigure two I-76 interchanges at State Highway 71 and Dodd Bridge Road to standard diamond interchanges, and will lengthen all on- and off-ramps for a safer transition onto and off of the interstate. The existing six miles of roadway throughout the project, including shoulders and ramps, will be repaved with concrete. Additionally, long term drainage improvements will be made along the interstate in Brush.

Throughout construction, motorists can expect to see crews working Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional night and weekend work. Delays during working hours will be kept to a minimum, and only one interchange will be closed at a time for construction. Throughout the construction zone, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 MPH, and motorists are encouraged to drive Slow for the Cone Zone!

This project has a contracted cost of $37.6 million to Castle Rock Construction Co.

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